Mura vs FC Noah

Mura began the match with the stronger possession, controlling periods of the first half without creating clear-cut chances. The home side's opening XI featured goalkeeper Žiga Fermišek, a back four of Kristjan Trdin, Ivan Borna Jelić Balta, Borna Proleta and Žan Petrovič, a midfield of Alen Korošec, captain Nino Kouter and Aljaž Zalaznik, and a forward line of Niko Kasalo, Šimun Butić and Robert Čakš.

Noah's first shot of the game produced the opener. A corner delivery found Hovhannes Hambardzumyan, who powered a header past Fermišek to make it 0-1 in the 38th minute. The Armenian side, coached by former Dinamo Zagreb manager Sandro Perković, carried a strong lineup including Portuguese midfielder Hélder Ferreira, Burkina Faso international Gustavo Sangare, and three players familiar with Slovenian football — Eric Boakye, David Sualehe and Michael Pavlović.

Mura head coach Mitja Mörec rang the changes on 68 minutes, sending on 10 substitutes: Roko Valinčič, Aleksandar Zeljković, Leander Mark Zelenko, Samo Sečkar, Amadej Filipčič, Jan Kovačič, Val Bislimaj, Petar Pfeifer, Marko Aščić and Jonathan Alukwu. Only goalkeeper Fermišek remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

The equaliser arrived in the 85th minute. Petar Pfeifer and Jonathan Alukwu combined neatly down the right, and Marko Aščić arrived at the far post to slot into an empty net — 1-1.

The 68th-minute mass substitution transformed the game. Mura's first-half side had struggled to break down a well-organised Noah defence, but the 10 fresh players injected pace and movement. The combination of Pfeifer's vision, Alukwu's direct running and Aščić's late arrival into the box produced the equaliser within 17 minutes of the changes.

Marko Aščić (Mura) — The Croatian trialist made the decisive contribution, arriving late to score the equaliser. His positioning and composure in the 85th minute gave Mura a deserved share of the spoils.

Hovhannes Hambardzumyan (FC Noah) — The long-serving Armenian international's 38th-minute header from a corner was the standout moment of the first half, giving Noah a lead they held for 47 minutes.

Šimun Butić (Mura) — The new signing caused problems for Noah's defence on the right wing throughout the first half, regularly creating space and delivering dangerous crosses.

Player of the match: Marko Aščić — his goal earned Mura a draw in a game they might otherwise have lost.

The match was played in front of 350 spectators at Fazanerija Stadium under mostly clear skies at 27°C. Both teams scored from their only clear-cut opportunities — Noah from a set-piece, Mura from open play. The 10-man substitution on 68 minutes was a clear indication of Mura's pre-season approach: prioritising minutes across the squad over result continuity. Five new trialists featured — Butić, Zalaznik, Zeljković, Alukwu and Aščić — with the latter two combining for the equaliser.

Mura's pre-season campaign now reads: draw with Ararat Yerevan (1-1, 20 June), loss to Sturm Graz (0-5, 26 June), and draw with FC Noah (1-1, 4 July). The Slovenian top-flight side returns to action on 5 July at 18:00 local time, hosting Beltinci Klima Tratnjek in Beltinci Sports Park, before further friendlies against TSV Hartberg (11 July) and FK Pribram (12 July). The competitive season kicks off away at Celje on 17 July.

FC Noah continue their own pre-season schedule ahead of UEFA Conference League qualifiers starting 23 July against Zimbru Chisinau.

A pre-season friendly settled by one goal per half — Noah's efficiency from a set-piece against Mura's persistence in open play. Mura's first-half struggles will concern the coaching staff, but the response from the second-string players after the break was encouraging. Aščić's goal gives the manager a selection decision ahead of the competitive season opener.